CH 46

Here, we must remember the kind of child Wanyan Shuo was. Precocious and devious, he was just like a cunning little fox cub. When he saw that Su Yi was assuming such an unexpected demeanour after his teasing --- one wholly without shame or distress --- his alert mind registered that something unusual was about to happen and his heartbeat quickened and became stronger, like a drum had replaced his heart. He murmured to himself: “Don’t tell me that I pushed him too hard and now he’s determined to subdue me.” Sneaking another glance at Su Yi's face, he grew even more convinced that his hunch was correct and decided that it was time to apply the metaphorical oil to his soles for speed and beat a hasty retreat. He put on a winning smile and said: “Ah, Mother Empress, about that lesson... Your son and subject has suddenly remembered that there is an important thing that he has neglected to do, your son and subject must retire first to attend to that matter.” So saying, he turned and was about to take to his heels and escape.